After months of travels in my new custom Sprinter van, there are still a few things I wish I had added from the beginning. Some are small upgrades that would make daily life easier… and some would change how the van functions on the road. In this video, I’m sharing the 10 things still missing from my van after real van life experience from storage improvements and window covers to workspace ideas, exterior storage, and upgrades that would make life with Sammy even easier. This isn’t about building the “perfect” van. My builder did a great job and this isn't a complaint video. It’s about the real little things you only notice after actually living in one. My Amazon Store Front: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kristiroams 🚐 In this video: 0:00 Why No Van Build is Perfect 0:50 Overhead Light Dimmer 1:57 New Window Cover 2:48 Phone Charging Solution 3:29 Additional Drawer Storage 4:37 Workspace Enhancement 6:03 Shoe Problems 7:26 Entry Handle & Running Boards 8:19 Sliding Door Bench 9:14 Back Door Storage 9:42 Exterior Storage Box 10:13 Final Thoughts 🕶️ VIDEOS TO WATCH NEXT: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Camper Van (7 Vans Later): https://youtu.be/axqrf3T0tJ8 Van Life Upgrades That Actually Matter: https://youtu.be/lbAQ-sYjwYc ✔️AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored but some of the links above are affiliate links. If you choose to use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I would use for myself or Sammy in van life. For business inquiries: [email protected] Kristi Roams — Realistic van life with Sammy 🐾 #VanLife #CamperVan #SprinterVan #VanBuild #VanLifeUpgrades #VanOrganization #CamperVanConversion
ADVERTISEMENT
ironically a lot of these missing items like the dimmers and different black out window cover are coming on the new 2026 geotrek line ups
Hi, Kristi & Sammy! Hope all is well. I like the set up of your van. You are very organized, practical, and logical. Thank you for sharing the set up of your van. Pops
Hi, I’ve been upgrading my van with many similar problems solved. Bought vannon storage baskets for phone and accessories. Had the battle with side steps and found most of them are costly and have to sidestep out. Went with lightweight aluminum folding step which works great for step, foot rest and step into bed $45. Good luck on your future travels.
I need to add running boards as well....getting in and out is a challenge!!
Always great to get the perspective of someone who has used the van for awhile. Nothing like experience. We’re still in the dreaming stage but making notes whenever we run across helpful channels such as yours. Happy trails.
God willin' you live and learn. There's nothing more valuable than experience, and you have by using your van, experiencing what it offers learned what it doesn't, good for you ! Thanks for sharing your review.
Hy Kristi looking beautiful as always your van looks roomy and cozy ❤Sammy enjoy your adventures and please stay safe out there
Good thoughts, still building mine.
If I did not have something in front of the door I would randomly topple out and I cannot own any thing round. Nice build!
All great ideas Kristi. Running boards would be huge for you and your pup. And I love our monster box, pricey upgrade indeed but for us it proved to be so worth it. Even without all these things your van is awesome.
Hi Kristi. I have a ProMaster with slender mesh pockets on the top or the two rear doors that I put multiple items in as well as my phone to charge. They are from Vanessentials and came with my build. It looks like you could charge from your rearmost night light. I wish I could attach pics. If you are ever in Utah and need a spot to park or any help my driveway is yours.
I really enjoy your videos, hope you are able to significantly grow you channel.
I would have thought dimmer switches were a given. Do they really cost that much more for a builder to make the choice to cut costs with the dimmers. I agree with all your other wish list items. I really like the builds where they utilize the pockets to build in shelving type spaces in the walls between the beams as well as lengthening the east west sleeping length. Maybe this is more prevalent in the transits. Likely comes with a much larger price tag as well being more work for the builder.
you've touched on quite a few add-on's that geotrek doesn't currently offer yet that i've been thinking about myself (they do offer a few that you mentioned such as the galley window covering, under sink storage drawers and the bench seat flip up hinge extension which i'm happy to see). one i'd like to see them add is a hinged or slide in/off lagun table extension to make the work station longer for those of us who need more mouse space when working and/or gaming from the van. another i've thought about is whether or not the roof is magnetic (or could be made mangetic) so that you could hang and move hooks as you see fit for situations like hanging work clothes that need to hang dry. i'd hate to drill into the roof and the thought of having them stay in one static spot permanently is enough to turn me off entirely, but if you could just plop them up top whenever and wherever you want? that sounds like gold to me.